Reincarnated as a Genius Prodigy of a Prestigious Family

8. It Was a Pleasant Time(2)

When Arabella finished analyzing the mana, Sidraine had just broken the seal. It didn’t take long, after all, he was the tower master and an 8th-circle mage.

‘I wonder what will come out. A dragon artifact? No, Arcana has tangible evidence, but dragons are considered pure myth…’

One thing was certain: whatever it was, Sidraine wasn’t familiar with it.

Finally, the seal was broken.

Crack, crack-

The outer shell of the ‘stone,’ which was a bit larger than expected, began to crack and fall apart, revealing its true contents.

“…A bracelet?”

It was a silver bracelet, devoid of any decorations or special markings, utterly plain.

“It’s a bracelet.”

“Indeed.”

However, the fact that it was sealed with magic meant it was not an ordinary item. Unless the one who sealed it had a bizarre sense of humor to trick future discoverers, it couldn’t be just an ordinary bracelet.

Woong.

Sidraine channeled his mana into the bracelet, analyzing its components. While a device would provide more precise results, this level of analysis was possible for him.

Or so he thought…

“Urgh. It doesn’t work.”

Sidraine admitted honestly.

“It seems only your mana can interact with it. You should try wearing it.”

He could handle the seal, but beyond that, it was up to Dane. The bracelet had reacted only to his mana, after all.

“Wait, before that, we need to check for any dangers.”

“Oh, because of curses?”

“Exactly.”

Another lesson learned: always check for dangers before putting on an unknown item.

“Most times, it’s nothing, but it’s a habit.”

Sidraine cast several spells to check the bracelet and confirmed there were no curses.

“Try it on.”

Clink.

Dane put the bracelet on his wrist, feeling a peculiar sensation as he channeled his mana.

Then…

Surprisingly, the bracelet began to react.

Woong, woong!

This time, even Sidraine could see it.

The bracelet vibrated, glowing blue, and strange letters appeared on its surface.

“This is…”

Sidraine recognized the letters.

More precisely, he knew of them.

Letters no one in this world could read.

Because…

“They’re ancient runes.”

Because they were ancient.

“These are the runes used in the ancient magical kingdom of Arcana.”

Dane was surprised now.

Arcana.

He had heard about it from his sister.

A time when everything was made of magic.

Then suddenly disappeared.

All that remained were a few relics and stories passed down orally, and a single line of code.

“Haha.”

Sidraine chuckled, sitting down on the bed.

He couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

This went beyond talent.

‘I wanted to make him my disciple…’

This was a completely different dimension.

The ancient magical kingdom of Arcana.

He knew Dane’s mana was different, but he never imagined this.

“Runes have power just from their shape. Until now, no one could infuse ancient runes with mana.”

Sidraine continued with conviction.

“The fact that these runes hold mana means your mana is not ordinary but ancient.”

Dane finally understood.

Why he could move so freely in the forest.

“That’s why I could move comfortably in the forest.”

“Yes. That forest is imbued with ancient mana. If that mana is from Arcana, it explains everything.”

His mother had told him a story.

That forest changed after some ancient mages stayed there.

It had always seemed like a fairy tale…

Could all these phenomena be explained simply because he possessed ancient mana?

Dane felt a bit overwhelmed.

“But that doesn’t explain everything.”

Sidraine interjected.

“The speed at which you analyze magic codes, your sense in maintaining spells, identifying weaknesses in codes, making another’s summoned creature obey you… These are all your innate talents, not just because of your mana.”

Ancient mana.

It was undoubtedly remarkable.

Its density and purity allowed him to use magic without circles and achieve many things due to high affinity.

But as Sidraine said, not everything was due to that mana.

“In other words, you have talents worthy of that mana.”

Sidraine looked at Dane with a mixture of emotions.

“You enviable brat.”

He was envious.

Even without ancient mana, if he had such talent, he might have reached the legendary 9th-circle.

“That makes sense.”

Dane nodded, seemingly pleased.

To Sidraine, his reaction seemed indifferent.

“Ugh.”

Perhaps it was just as well he didn’t want to be his disciple.

Too much talent to handle.

Eventually, he’d surpass Sidraine without him noticing.

And as he said…

With such talents and ancient mana, focusing solely on magic would be a waste.

‘I wonder if his ancestors were descendants from Arcana. Fascinating.’

One thing was clear.

This should remain a secret.

‘At least until he can handle the world’s turmoil.’

Sidraine made up his mind.

He would keep it to himself.

“By the way, it seems the bracelet doesn’t reveal much for now.”

“We can unravel its secrets slowly. But don’t tell anyone. I’ll keep it a secret too.”

“I will.”

Sidraine decided to collect as many related documents and materials as possible when he returned to the magic tower.

This was a challenge for him too.

He wanted to help this cheeky, talented, enviable, and ultimately likable kid.

Moreover,

‘This excites me.’

The desire to research, thought long gone since becoming the tower master, was rekindled.

Someone once said.

A mage studies for life.

Having reached the 8th-circle with nowhere left to go, he thought he’d spend his days wandering.

“This is going to be fun.”

Just as Sidraine smiled, finding a new drive in life, a sharp beeping sound startled him.

Beep, beep-

Sidraine turned urgently.

“A monster attack?”

He instinctively gathered his mana.

‘Time to earn my keep.’

With his body almost fully recovered, a small monster should be easily handled.

But Dane seemed quite calm, rising slowly and pulling something from his pocket.

“What’s that? Aren’t we under attack?”

“It’s a communication crystal. My sister’s contacting me.”

“…That’s where the sound came from?”

What kind of alert sound is that?

“There are a hundred alert sounds, but I like this one best.”

Sidraine looked a bit embarrassed.

No monsters in this peaceful land.

Sidraine coughed awkwardly, asking casually.

“Ahem. So that’s a communication crystal?”

“Yes. Ah, this is indeed a crystal.”

‘Never seen that before.’

Sidraine didn’t know yet, but this compact communication crystal was trending among young mages, especially in the capital.

Dane answered the call.

“Just a moment. Yes, sister.”

-Dane, is there anyone with you?

Dane glanced at Sidraine and continued.

“Is it because my mana is ancient?”

-…How did you know?

Dane explained the situation briefly. Arabella’s surprised voice came through.

-So, you discovered the artifact was ancient from the analysis, and the tower master confirmed your mana is ancient as well?

“Yes. Different methods, but same conclusion.”

Arabella had analyzed his mana and matched it with codes, finding it had ancient properties.

Sidraine had broken the seal and found the artifact reacting only to Dane’s mana, identifying it as an ancient relic.

Different paths, same destination.

Sidraine was deeply, if not greatly, surprised.

‘She found out through mana analysis…?’

He knew she was a genius.

But mana analysis was challenging even for seasoned mages.

Yet she not only did it but identified ancient mana?

“What kind of family is this…?”

Meanwhile, Arabella asked Dane,

-Anyone else aware?

“No.”

-Good. Dane, listen carefully. Tower master, please listen too. This must remain a secret. If revealed, Dane won’t be able to handle the consequences.

Sidraine nodded.

“Ahem. Arabella, can you hear me?”

-Yes, loud and clear, tower master. Nice to meet you.

“Likewise. Don’t worry, I was about to suggest the same. If this gets out, the child and his family will face chaos. Is this call recorded?”

-No. It’s deleted after the call ends.

“Good. Best not to leave any evidence. I’ll investigate more discreetly when I return to the tower.”

-Thank you for your help.

“It’s my duty as a mage.”

Sidraine then asked casually.

“By the way, have you decided on a magic tower yet? There’s been a lot of talk.”

-Not yet. But I can’t go to the Nirikshion Tower. Sorry, it doesn’t have the field I’m interested in.

“…”

The brat’s confidence must come from this sister.

“Ahem. Haha. Understandable. No problem. Just curious.”

Sidraine handed the crystal back to Dane.

-Dane, we’ll talk more later. Take care.

“Sure, sis. You too.”

-I love you, little brother.

“Love you too.”

After the affectionate call ended,

“You have an amazing sister.”

“Right? Oh, and she made this communication crystal.”

Compact communication crystal.

A trending artifact among young mages.

“Amazing, right?”

“Ahem. Indeed. I know well. Even our generation uses them. What’s it called again?”

“Compact communication crystal.”

“Yes, compact communication crystal.”

Sidraine was keen on trends.

To be exact, he hated falling behind trends.

But keeping up with young mages’ slang and trends was tough.

“So do you use it too? Can I get the crystal code…?”

“Ahem. I don’t use it much. At the 8th-circle, you don’t rely on communication. If it’s urgent, they’ll come to me.”

“Oh… Okay…”

Sidraine avoided Dane’s skeptical gaze.